The New Jersey Devils just made a big bet on their captain. Nico Hischier is signing a five-year contract extension worth $58.5 million, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. That works out to an $11.7 million average annual value. The deal kicks in for the 2027-28 season, after he plays out the final year of his current contract at $7.25 million.
Hischier, taken first overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, has been a fixture in New Jersey ever since. He’s not just the captain. He’s quietly become one of the league’s most complete centers. Over the last four seasons, he’s hit at least 25 goals and 65 points each year. And he’s consistently gotten Selke Trophy votes for his defensive work. That two-way game is why the Devils locked him up now rather than letting things get complicated.
The extension locks in a core of forwards that already includes Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, and Jesper Bratt. That’s four guys signed long-term. But here’s the thing: this group hasn’t made the playoffs in two years. They missed last season entirely. So the pressure is on, especially with a new general manager, Sunny Mehta, taking over. The expectation around the organization is clear: make the postseason next year or questions start piling up.
New Jersey’s been busy leading into NHL Free Agency. They traded Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames for two first-round picks. They also sent some players to the Florida Panthers for goalie Jacob Markstrom. Those moves freed up cap space and restocked the prospect pool. And with Hischier’s new deal on the books, the Devils still have about $9.7 million in cap room to work with this summer.
So what’s next? Goalie, probably. The Hischier question is answered. Now the focus shifts to the net. Could they make a run at Connor Hellebuyck or Sergei Bobrovsky? Those are big names with big price tags. But the Devils have the assets and the cap space to get creative. Stick with us for the latest as free agency rolls on.
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